Drone Pilot

Job Title: Drone Pilot – Group 3 UAS/UAV

If interested & qualified, please apply or reach out to Kaitlin with Aerotek Aviation at 843/830/9386

Job Description

A Drone Pilot with Group 3 UAS/UAV expertise is responsible for executing safe, precise, and mission‑ready flight operations across both continental and international environments. This role requires advanced External Pilot skills, strong technical proficiency with ground control systems, autopilot technologies, and mission‑planning software, along with the ability to travel extensively and support sensitive missions requiring a Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

Operate Group 3 UAS/UAV platforms as External Pilot and Pilot in Command, ensuring safe and compliant flight operations.

Execute mission plans including launch, recovery, navigation, and emergency procedures.

Configure, monitor, and troubleshoot ground station software and mission‑planning tools.

Manage and tune autopilot systems, including autonomous flight modes and navigation settings.

Conduct pre‑flight, in‑flight, and post‑flight inspections and documentation.

Collaborate with engineering, operations, and safety teams to support mission planning and system integration.

Maintain detailed logs of flight hours, maintenance actions, and mission outcomes.

Ensure compliance with FAA, DoD, and internal operational standards.

Support training, evaluation, and mentorship of junior UAS operators.

Travel up to 50%, including international locations, to support field operations, testing, and customer missions.

Adhere to all security protocols required for Secret‑level programs.

Essential Skills

5+ years of professional UAS/UAV flight experience.

Demonstrated proficiency as an External Pilot for Group 3 aircraft.

Hands‑on experience with ground station software and mission‑planning tools.

Strong understanding of autopilot systems, autonomous flight modes, and UAS navigation technologies.

Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Ability and willingness to travel 50%, including international deployments.

Excellent situational awareness and decision‑making under dynamic conditions.

Class II Medical Certificate.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

250–500+ Pilot‑in‑Command (PIC) hours on Group 3 UAS platforms.

Experience with Vigilant Spirit or QGroundControl (QGC).

Former military experience, especially in UAS‑related roles.

Familiarity with BVLOS operations, advanced autonomy, or multi‑vehicle coordination.

Certifications such as Part 107, OEM‑specific training, or military UAS qualifications.

AFCS Codes: 1UOX1, 1U1X1, 1A3X1.

MOS Codes: 15W, 15C, 15Q.

Experience in the Remote Control (RC) industry is beneficial.

Why Work Here?

Join a rapidly growing organization with a great work environment and culture. Be part of a team that values your expertise and offers opportunities for professional growth.

Work Environment

Work within an aircraft manufacturing setting, primarily on a standard day shift. Be prepared to work long hours when necessary to accomplish the mission.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Huntsville, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60000.00 - $100000.00/yr.

Medical Dental 401K PTO- both holiday pay and vacation

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Huntsville,AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.